ATI RN
Contemporary Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is charged with battery after helping an invalid patient back to bed and not calling for help due to a reduced staffing level. The patient sustained excessive bruising, sore joints, and extended stay. In this case, the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the nurse is accountable due to the decreased level of staffing. The nurse's decision not to call for help despite knowing the reduced staffing level directly contributed to the patient's injuries. The nurse had a duty of care to ensure the patient's safety, and failing to do so resulted in harm to the patient. The nurse's actions were negligent and breached the standard of care expected in this situation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the focus of the question is on the nurse's accountability for the patient's injuries due to staffing levels, not on the patient being the plaintiff, forcefully restraining the patient without orders, or invasion of privacy. These options are not directly related to the nurse's negligence in failing to provide proper care to the patient.
Question 2 of 9
A new trend in nursing education that is consistent with real-world practice is focused on:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: outcomes. Nursing education focused on outcomes aligns with real-world practice by emphasizing measurable results and the impact of nursing interventions on patient care. Objectives (B) are specific steps to achieve outcomes, while goals (C) are broader aims. Subjective appraisals (D) lack the objective, evidence-based focus required in nursing education. Therefore, focusing on outcomes ensures that nursing students are prepared for the demands of real-world practice.
Question 3 of 9
An older adult woman who stops using complementary alternative medicine (CAM) becomes disoriented and is given a diagnosis of dementiThe family is upset with the family physician and the CAM practitioner for not diagnosing the condition earlier. Which CAM may have interfered with early detection of the dementia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because large doses of calcium causing cerebral plaques to form can potentially mask the atrophy of the brain, which is a common indicator of dementia on imaging studies. This interference could delay the detection of dementia. Choice B is incorrect because excess folic acid would not mask a vitamin B deficiency that could lead to dementia. Choice C is incorrect as hypnotherapy focusing on current thoughts would not necessarily eliminate clues to past cognitive decline. Choice D is incorrect because there is no evidence that the electrical current from magnetic fields interferes with normal brain waves in a way that would cause confusion and inability to concentrate.
Question 4 of 9
In the preparedness phase for disasters, the community plans for a possible terrorist attack using anthrax as the weapon of destruction. What treatments and/or preparations would be needed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vaccines and Level B Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). In the preparedness phase for a terrorist attack using anthrax, vaccines are crucial for prevention. Level B PPE provides respiratory protection and skin protection against anthrax spores. This is essential for healthcare workers and first responders. Choice B is incorrect as it mentions treatment for burns, which is not relevant to anthrax exposure. Decontamination and Level A PPE are not specifically needed for anthrax. Choice C is incorrect as it mentions radioactive fallout, which is not relevant to anthrax. Social distancing is also not effective in preventing anthrax exposure. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions incendiary devices and treatment for burns, which are not related to anthrax exposure. Identifying and detecting propellants is also not relevant to anthrax preparedness.
Question 5 of 9
When the client is unable to make medical decisions for himself or herself, authorization that allows another person to make these decisions is called:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: durable power of attorney. This legal document grants authority to another person, known as the healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on behalf of the client when they are unable to do so themselves. This is essential for ensuring that the client's wishes are respected and that appropriate medical care is provided. A: A living will is a document that outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become incapacitated, but it does not appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. C: Informed consent is the process of ensuring that a patient understands the risks and benefits of a medical treatment before giving consent, but it does not authorize someone to make decisions on their behalf. D: Immunity refers to protection from legal liability and is not relevant to authorizing someone to make medical decisions for a client.
Question 6 of 9
Which actions would result in a greater number of nurses entering and staying in practice, given today's state of nursing? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide incentives for minorities and men to enter nursing. This is because increasing diversity in the nursing profession can help address shortages and improve patient care. Incentives can attract underrepresented groups and address disparities. A, determining why few black women enter graduate school, may address a specific subgroup but not the broader issue of nursing shortages. C, obtaining grant funding for faculty and scholarships, may help improve education opportunities but may not directly address the retention and recruitment of nurses. D, surveying nurses about job satisfaction, is important but may not directly address attracting more nurses into the profession or keeping them in practice.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse who is licensed in Georgia and moves to Oregon:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because when a nurse moves to a new state, they must check the new state's nurse practice act related to licensure for endorsement. This is important to ensure the nurse meets all requirements and regulations for practicing in the new state. Option B is incorrect as licensure is not automatically transferred. Option C is incorrect as certification is different from licensure, and the NCLEX-RN® is typically required for licensure. Option D is incorrect as the American Nurses Credentialing Center is not responsible for determining state licensure eligibility. Checking the new state's nurse practice act is the standard procedure for obtaining licensure endorsement.
Question 8 of 9
In attempting to decide which services should be offered to a community, the public health nurse decides to implement hypertension screening and treatment because most of the residents are hypertensive. This decision is based on the principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the ethical principle that actions should be chosen based on their ability to maximize overall happiness or well-being. In this scenario, implementing hypertension screening and treatment for a community where most residents are hypertensive aligns with utilitarianism as it aims to benefit the greatest number of people by improving their health outcomes. This decision focuses on the overall good of the community, making it the most ethical choice. Rationale for why other choices are incorrect: A: Veracity is the principle of truthfulness. While honesty is important in healthcare decision-making, it is not the primary factor in this scenario. B: Values refer to personal beliefs and principles. While values may influence decision-making, the primary focus in this scenario is on maximizing community health outcomes. D: Autonomy is the principle of respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions. While autonomy is important in healthcare, it is not the guiding principle in this scenario where the focus is
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is concerned because novice nurses are having their orientation period shortened and are being placed in charge nurse positions. The nurse has documented unsafe care and decisions by these novice nurses. To be protected from retaliation by the employer, this nurse must "blow the whistle" by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. Reporting concerns to state and/or national agencies is a formal and official way to blow the whistle. 2. State and national agencies have the authority to investigate and take action on reported concerns. 3. Whistleblower protection laws often cover individuals who report to regulatory agencies. 4. This action ensures the concerns are addressed at a higher level and can protect the nurse from retaliation. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: A. Holding a public forum may not provide the necessary confidentiality or protection for the nurse. C. Informally discussing wrongdoing with coworkers may not result in formal actions to address the concerns. D. Contacting The Joint Commission is a good option, but reporting concerns to state and/or national agencies is more direct and appropriate in this scenario.